The Diagnodent is a device that is sometimes used in our office to detect decay. The device emits a harmless laser beam down into the tooth. If there is decay present, a higher number will register than on a tooth without decay. It can detect a very small cavity that may not otherwise have been detected until it got much larger. The Diagnodent helps to keep treatment much more conservative by finding decay before it gets bigger.

On Saturday, February 7, our dental office had the pleasure of taking part in the volunteer program "Give Kids A Smile." I have to say that it was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had in awhile. We had 3 dentists, 5 hygienists, 4 assistants and 2 front desk people volunteer. All of us working together were able to see 42 kids. For all of the kids, we completed exams, X-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments as needed. Some of the kids also had sealants, fillings and extractions done. The kids were an absolute joy to work with and seemed very appreciative. It was so fun for us to help a person who had never been to the dentist before and was a little apprehensive, to feel at home and actually have a good time. One 12 year old boy that I worked with had last been to the dentist when he was 5 years old. I asked him at the end of the appointment how his dental appointment went for him, and he told me with a big smile on his face "It was really fun." Then he told me "thank you" and patted me on the back and told me that he hoped I would have a great weekend! That was just one of the experiences from that day that did make my weekend great!

This year's "Give Kids a Smile" was a great success! The program was initially launched in 2003 to provide dental care to underserved children. Nationally, it was estimated that over 320,000 kids received care this year from almost 8,000 dentists as well as a large number of hygienists, assistants, and other staff. In Minnesota alone, it is estimated that over 5,000 children received care, many of whom may have had his/her first experience with a dentist.

I'm often asked when a child should first see a dentist. The ADA has recommended that a child be seen within the first 6 months of the child getting his/her first baby tooth and no later than the first birthday. We commonly see children at one year of age and it's a great way to get these little ones accustomed to the dental office.

At Commerce Drive Dental, Dr. Clause, Dr. Kuryla, our staff, and I were able to participate and provide care that included dental cleanings, exams, dental education, fillings, sealants, and tooth removal. It was a very rewarding experience and great to see all the young, smiling faces!

Give Kids a Smile is an annual event where dental professionals provide free dental work to children in need. Give Kids a Smile isFebruary 6 & 7in Minnesota. Commerce Drive Dental staff are volunteering their time onSaturday, February 7from 8:00 - 12:00. We are providing exams, x-rays, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants if needed to children ages 2-17. Please call our office at 345-7786 to schedule an appointment. To find out more information about Give Kids a Smile in your area, go tomndental.org.- from Kim B. (Dental Hygienist)

Good news for our patients that have to remember to take pre-medication before their dental appointments: based on clinical research, the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry recommends that patients with prosthetic joint implants DO NOT have to take prophylactic antibiotics before dental procedures. The recommendation states that there is no evidence that dental procedures cause joint implant infections, and more importantly, the benefits of taking antibiotics before dental procedures do not outweigh the risks (such as anaphylaxis, antibiotic resistance and opportunistic infections). JADA, The Journal of the American Dental Association, January 2015- from Pam B. (Dental Hygienist)

A new year has arrived, usually symbolizing a new beginning, new resolutions. Now could be the perfect time to become healthier - starting with your teeth. Start by making that dental appointment that you have been putting off for so long, or slow down when brushing, making sure you brush for at least 2 minutes twice a day, or incorporate floss in your routine (whether it's at least once a day or starting to floss at all). You want to be true to your teeth now or they will be false to you in the future!

February is coming up and this is the month of Give Kids A Smile, an annual event where dental professionals in your local area volunteer their time and services to provide free dental care to children. Services can include cleanings, x-rays, sealants, fluoride treatments, and some restorative work. Make sure to check your local area to find out what facilities will be participating in Give Kids A Smile this February. Commerce Drive Dental will be providing the following services on Saturday, February 7 from 8:00 AM until Noon (2-17 years of age for disadvantaged children):

Exams

Cleanings

Fluoride

X-rays

Fillings/Operative work will only be performed at doctor’s discretion

If you know a child/children in need and they are 2-17 years of age, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment: 507-345-7786.- from Rachel P. (Dental Hygienist)

Commerce Drive Dental would like to thank you for the privilege of providing care to you and your families in the past year(s). We wish you and your families a safe and happy holiday! We look forward to serving you in 2015!